Oxadiazole Derivatives and Their Use as Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Potentiators 842

ABSTRACT

Compounds of Formula I: 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             wherein R 1  and Q are as described in the specification, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, methods of making, pharmaceutical compositions containing and methods for using the same.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to novel compounds that function aspotentiators of glutamate receptors, methods for their preparation,pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) constitute a family ofGTP-binding-protein (G-protein) coupled receptors that are activated byglutamate, and have important roles in synaptic activity in the centralnervous system, including neural plasticity, neural development andneurodegeneration.

Activation of mGluRs in intact mammalian neurons elicits one or more ofthe following responses: activation of phospholipase C; increases inphosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis; intracellular calcium release;activation of phospholipase D; activation or inhibition of adenylcyclase; increases or decreases in the formation of cyclic adenosinemonophosphate (cAMP); activation of guanylyl cyclase; increases in theformation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP); activation ofphospholipase A₂; increases in arachidonic acid release; and increasesor decreases in the activity of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels(Schoepp et al., 1993, Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 14:13; Schoepp, 1994,Neurochem. Int., 24:439; Pin et al., 1995, Neuropharmacology 34:1; Bordi& Ugolini, 1999, Prog. Neurobiol. 59:55).

Eight mGluR subtypes have been identified, which are divided into threegroups based upon primary sequence similarity, signal transductionlinkages, and pharmacological profile. Group-I includes mGluR1 andmGluR5, which activate phospholipase C and the generation of anintracellular calcium signal. The Group-II (mGluR2 and mGluR3) andGroup-III (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8) mGluRs mediate aninhibition of adenylyl cyclase activity and cyclic AMP levels. For areview, see Pin et al., 1999, Eur. J. Pharmacol., 375:277-294.

Activity of mGluR family receptors are implicated in a number of normalprocesses in the mammalian CNS, and are important targets for compoundsfor the treatment of a variety of neurological and psychiatricdisorders. Activation of mGluRs is required for induction of hippocampallong-term potentiation and cerebellar long-term depression (Bashir etal., 1993, Nature, 363:347; Bortolotto et al., 1994, Nature, 368:740;Aiba et al., 1994, Cell, 79:365; Aiba et al., 1994, Cell, 79:377). Arole for mGluR activation in nociception and analgesia also has beendemonstrated (Meller et al., 1993, Neuroreport, 4: 879; Bordi & Ugolini,1999, Brain Res., 871:223). In addition, mGluR activation has beensuggested to play a modulatory role in a variety of other normalprocesses including synaptic transmission, neuronal development,apoptotic neuronal death, synaptic plasticity, spatial learning,olfactory memory, central control of cardiac activity, waking, motorcontrol and control of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (Nakanishi, 1994,Neuron, 13:1031; Pin et al., 1995, Neuropharmacology, supra; Knopfel etal., 1995, J. Med. Chem., 38:1417).

Recent advances in the elucidation of the neurophysiological roles ofmGluRs have established these receptors as promising drug targets in thetherapy of acute and chronic neurological and psychiatric disorders andchronic and acute pain disorders. Because of the physiological andpathophysiological significance of the mGluRs, there is a need for newdrugs and compounds that can modulate mGluR function.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

We have identified a class of compounds that modulate mGluR function. Inone aspect the invention provides compounds of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomer, orcombination thereof:

wherein

R¹ is halo or C₁₋₃haloalkoxyl;

Q is

and

R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,hydrate, solvate, optical isomer, or combination thereof.

The invention also provides processes for the preparation of compoundsof Formula I.

The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound according to Formula I together with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or excipient; in another aspect, the inventionprovides a method for the treatment or prevention of neurological andpsychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction in an animalin need of such treatment. The method comprises the step ofadministering to the animal a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of Formula I or a pharmaceutical composition comprising such anamount.

The invention also provides for the use of a compound according toFormula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, inthe manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of conditionsmentioned herein.

Further, the invention provides a compound of Formula I, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use in therapy.

Compounds described herein exhibit activity as modulators ofmetabotropic glutamate receptors and more particularly exhibit activityas potentiators of the mGluR2 receptor. It is contemplated that thecompounds will be useful in therapy as pharmaceuticals, in particular,for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders associatedwith glutamate dysfunction.

DEFINITIONS

Unless described otherwise within this specification, the nomenclatureused in this specification generally follows the examples and rulesstated in Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry, Sections A, B, C, D, E, Fand H, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1979, which is incorporated by referencesherein for its exemplary chemical structure names and rules on namingchemical structures. Optionally, a name of a compound may be generatedusing a chemical naming program: ACD/ChemSketch, Version 5.09/September2001, Advanced Chemistry Development, Inc., Toronto, Canada.

The term “C₁₋₃alkyl” as used herein means a straight-, branched-chain orcyclic hydrocarbon radical having from one to three carbon atoms, andincludes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and cyclopropyl.

The term “C₁₋₃haloalkoxyl” as used herein means a straight- orbranched-chain alkoxy radical having from one to three carbon atoms andat least one halo substituent and includes fluoromethoxyl,trifluoromethoxyl, fluoroethoxyl, trifluoropropyloxyl,fluoroisopropyloxy and the like.

The term “halo” as used herein means halogen and includes fluoro,chloro, bromo, iodo, in both radioactive and non-radioactive forms.

The symbol Δ when used herein means heating or the application of heat.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means either an acidicaddition salt or a basic addition salt that is compatible with theadministration to patients.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable acidic addition salt” is any non-toxicorganic or inorganic acidic addition salt of a compound represented byFormula I. Illustrative inorganic acids that form suitable salts includehydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid and acid metalsalts such as sodium monohydrogen orthophosphate and potassium hydrogensulfate. Illustrative organic acids that form suitable salts include themono-, di- and tricarboxylic acids. Illustrative of such acids are, forexample, acetic, glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, malonic, succinic, glutaric,fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, maleic, hydroxymaleic,benzoic, hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, cinnamic, salicylic,2-phenoxybenzoic, p-toluenesulfonic acid and other sulfonic acids suchas methanesulfonic acid and 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid. Wherechemically feasible, mono- or di-acid salts can be formed and such saltscan exist in either a hydrated solvated or substantially anhydrous form.In general, the acidic addition salts of these compounds are moresoluble in water and various hydrophilic organic solvents and generallydemonstrate higher melting points in comparison to their free baseforms. Other non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts, e.g. oxalates, maybe used, for example in the isolation of compounds of Formula I forlaboratory use or for subsequent conversion to a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acidic addition salt.

“Solvate” means a compound of Formula I or the pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of a compound of Formula I wherein molecules of asuitable solvent are incorporated in a crystal lattice. A suitablesolvent is physiologically tolerable at the dosage administered as thesolvate. Examples of suitable solvents are ethanol, water and the like.When water is the solvent, the molecule is referred to as a hydrate.

The term “stereoisomers” is a general term for all isomers of theindividual molecules that differ only in the orientation of their atomsin space. It includes mirror image isomers (enantiomers), geometric(cis/trans) isomers and isomers of compounds with more than one chiralcentre that are not mirror images of one another (diastereomers).

The term “treat” or “treating” means to alleviate symptoms, eliminatethe causation of the symptoms either on a temporary or permanent basisor to prevent or slow the appearance of symptoms of the named disorderor condition.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” means an amount of thecompound that is effective in treating the named disorder or condition.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” means a non-toxicsolvent, dispersant, excipient, adjuvant or other material which ismixed with the active ingredient in order to permit the formation of apharmaceutical composition, i.e., a dosage form capable ofadministration to the patient. One example of such a carrier is apharmaceutically acceptable oil typically used for parenteraladministration.

Compounds

The described compounds conform generally to Formula I:

wherein

R¹ is halo or C₁₋₃haloalkoxyl;

Q is

and

R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,hydrate, solvate, optical isomer, or combination thereof.

In a particular embodiment R¹ is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl.

In another embodiment R¹ is trifluoromethoxyl.

In yet another embodiment Q is

In still yet another embodiment Q is

where R² is H.

In a further embodiment, R¹ is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl, Q is

In yet a further embodiment R¹ is trifluoromethoxyl and Q is

In still a further embodiment R¹ is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl and Q is

wherein R² is H.

In another embodiment R¹ is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl and Q is

A pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomer, orcombination thereof of each of the mentioned embodiments is contemplatedto be within the scope of the invention.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that when compoundsof the present invention contain one or more chiral centers, thecompounds of the invention may exist in, and be isolated as,enantiomeric or diastereomeric forms, or as a racemic mixture. Thepresent invention includes any possible enantiomers, diastereomers,racemates or mixtures thereof, of a compound of Formula I. The opticallyactive forms of the compound of the invention may be prepared, forexample, by chiral chromatographic separation of a racemate, bysynthesis from optically active starting materials or by asymmetricsynthesis based on the procedures described thereafter.

It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that certaincompounds of the present invention may exist in solvated, for examplehydrated, as well as unsolvated forms. It will further be understoodthat the present invention encompasses all such solvated forms of thecompounds of Formula I.

Within the scope of the invention are also salts of the compounds ofFormula I. Generally, pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds ofthe present invention are obtained using standard procedures well knownin the art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the compound of Formula Imay be converted to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvatethereof, particularly, an acidic addition salt such as a hydrochloride,hydrobromide, phosphate, acetate, fumarate, maleate, tartrate, citrate,methanesulphonate or p-toluenesulphonate.

Process for Preparing

Compounds according to Formula I can be prepared by various syntheticprocesses as illustrated herein. The choice of particular structuralfeatures and/or substituents may therefore influence the selection ofone process over another.

Within these general guidelines, processes described herein can be usedto prepare exemplary subsets of compounds of this invention. Unlessindicated otherwise, the variables in the described schemes andprocesses have the same definitions as those given for Formula I above.

A person of ordinary skill in the art thus will appreciate thatvariations and additions adapting one or more of the processes disclosedherein will permit synthesis of other compounds in accord with FormulaI.

The invention is further illustrated by way of the following examples,which describe several embodiments of the invention. The syntheticscheme and the synthetic procedures provided for Examples 1, 2 and 4 areprovided by way of illustration and are not to be construed as limitingthe invention. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that otherillustrated compounds may be readily prepared by processes analogous tothose described.

Reagents and conditions used in a typical procedure: (a) SOCl₂, Δ; (b)2-chloro-N-hydroxyacetamidine, K₂CO₃, MeCN, then DMF, Δ; (c) QH, K₂CO₃,MeCN, Δ.

(a) In a typical procedure 100 mmol of a7-methyl-1-oxo-2-(substituted-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindole-5-carboxylicacid was dissolved in an excess of thionyl chloride and heated at refluxfor 30 min. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature andconcentrated to provide a7-methyl-1-oxo-2-(substituted-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindole-5-carbonylchloride.(b) To a solution of the7-methyl-1-oxo-2-(substituted-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindole-5-carbonylchloride (100 mmol) in MeCN (50 mL) was added2-chloro-N-hydroxyacetamidine (110 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (200 mmol). Themixture was stirred overnight, then diluted with water and extractedwith EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in DMF (50 mL) andheated at reflux for 3.5 h. The cooled solution was diluted with waterand extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried(Na₂SO₄), filtered and concentrated. Column chromatography on silica(10-35% EtOAc/hexanes) provided a2-substituted-benzyl-5-(3-chloromethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-7-methyl-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one.(c) To a solution of the2-(substituted-benzyl)-5-(3-chloromethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-7-methyl-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one(100 mmol) in MeCN was added K₂CO₃ (200-300 mmol) and a suitable amine(QH, 150-200 mmol). The mixture was heated to provide a desiredisoindolone that was purified by column chromatography on silica (1-5%2M NH₃ in MeOH/CH₂Cl₂).

EXAMPLE 17-Methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one

To a solution of5-(3-chloromethyl-[1,2,4]-oxadiazol-5-yl)-7-methyl-2-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one(3.25 g, 7.43 mmol) in MeCN (50 mL) was added piperazine-1-carboxylicacid tert-butyl ester (2.77 g, 14.9 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (2.57 g, 18.6 mmol).The mixture was warmed to 40° C. for 24 h, then cooled to roomtemperature and diluted with water. The mixture was extracted with EtOAcand the organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered,and concentrated. The residue was triturated with hexanes and filtered.Column chromatography on silica (40-80% EtOAc/hexanes) followed bytrituration with 1% MeOH/Et₂O provided the Boc-protected intermediate(4.78 g) as a colourless solid.

The Boc-protected intermediate was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) and 1:1TFA/CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL) was added. After 45 min the reaction mixture wasconcentrated and basified with aqueous NaHCO₃ to pH ˜9-10. The productwas extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic phase was washed with brine,dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Column chromatography onsilica (1-5% 2M NH₃ in MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) provided7-methyl-5-(5-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl)-2-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one(3.79 g) as a colourless foam. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.05 (s, 1H),8.00 (s, 1H), 7.36 (d, 2H), 7.20 (d, 2H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 4.33 (s, 2H),3.77 (s, 2H), 2.94-3.05 (m, 4H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.61 (br s, 4H).

EXAMPLE 22-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-5-[3-(2,5-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-7-methyl-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one

To a solution of2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-5-(3-chloromethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-7-methyl-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one(40 mg, 0.103 mmol) in MeCN (4 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (0.309 mmol) and (1s,4s)-2,5-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester(31 mg, 0.154 mmol). The mixture was heated at 60° C. overnight. Thereaction was cooled and diluted with water, then extracted with EtOAc.The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered andconcentrated. Column chromatography on silica (1% 2M NH₃ in MeOH/CH₂Cl₂)provided2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-5-[3-(2,5-diazabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-7-methyl-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-oneas a brown solid (27 mg). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.99(s, 1H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.26 (d, 2H), 4.77 (s, 2H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 3.94(dd, 2H), 3.58 (d, 2H), 3.26 (d, 1H), 3.11 (d, 1H), 2.89 (d, 1H), 2.84(s, 3H), 2.63 (d, 1H), 1.88 (d, 1H), 1.66 (d, 1H).

EXAMPLE 42-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one

To a solution of2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-5-(3-chloromethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-7-methyl-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one(40 mg, 0.103 mmol) in MeCN (4 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (3.0 eq.) andpiperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (29 mg, 0.154 mmol). Themixture was heated at 70° C. for 1 week. The reaction was cooled anddiluted with water, then extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase waswashed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered, and concentrated. Columnchromatography on silica (10-50% EtOAc/hexanes) provided theBoc-protected intermediate as an oil. This residue was dissolved in 1:1TFA/CH₂Cl₂ for 30 min, then the reaction mixture was concentrated andbasified with aqueous NaHCO₃ to pH ˜9-10. The product was extracted withCH₂Cl₂. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried (Na₂SO₄),filtered, and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc andextracted with 1M HCl. The aqueous phases were basified with 6M NaOH andextracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic phase was dried (Na₂SO₄), filtered,and concentrated to provide2-(4-chlorobenzyl)-7-methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-oneas a colourless oil (29 mg). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 8.05 (s, 1H),7.99 (s, 1H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.26 (d, 2H), 4.77 (s, 2H), 4.31 (s, 2H),3.77 (s, 2H), 2.97 (br s, 4H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.62 (br s, 4H).

Compounds shown in the following table illustrate the invention:

Ex. No. Structure Name ¹H NMR 1

7-Methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-oneδ 8.05 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s,1H), 7.36 (d, 2H), 7.20(d, 2H), 4.81 (s,2H),4.33 (s, 2H), 3.77 (s,2H), 2.94-3.05 (m, 4H),2.84 (s, 3H), 2.61 (brs,4H). 2

2-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-5-[3-(2,5-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-7-methyl-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-oneδ 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s,1H), 7.26-7.35 (m, 4H),4.83 (s, 2H), 4.00(s,2H), 3.94 (dd, 2H), 3.58(d, 2H), 3.18 (d, 1H),3.11 (dd, 1H), 2.89(d,1H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 2.64(d, 1H), 1.64-1.92 (m,6H). 3

2-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-[3-(3-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-oneδ 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s,1H), 7.25-7.35 (m, 4H),4.77 (s, 2H), 4.30(s,2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.84-3.01 (m, 5H), 2.84 (s,3H), 2.25 (ddd,1H),1.89 (t, 1H), 1.26 (dd,1H), 1.04 (d, 3H). 4

2-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-oneδ 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s,1H), 7.26-7.35 (m, 4H),4.77 (s, 2H), 4.31(s,2H), 3.77 (s, 2H), 2.97(br s, 4H), 2.84 (s, 3H),2.62 (br s, 4H). 5

2-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-[3-(2-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-oneδ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s,1H), 7.26-7.35 (m, 4H),4.81 (s, 2H), 4.31(s,2H), 3.98 (d, 2H), 2.85-2.96 (m, 4H), 2.85 (s,3H), 2.51-2.64 (m,3H),1.22 (d, 3H). 6

2-(4-Chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-[3-(2-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-oneδ 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s,1H), 7.26-7.35 (m, 4H),4.81 (s, 2H), 4.31(s,2H), 3.98 (d, 2H), 2.85-2.96 (m, 4H), 2.85 (s,3H), 2.51-2.64 (m,3H),1.22 (d, 3H).

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The compounds described herein may be generally formulated into apharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in association witha pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. The pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid formpreparations include, but are not limited to, powders, tablets,dispersible granules, capsules, cachets, and suppositories.

A solid carrier can be one or more substance, which may also act asdiluents, flavoring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents,binders or table disintegrating agents. A solid carrier can also be anencapsulating material.

In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid, which is in a mixturewith the finely divided compound active component. In tablets, theactive component is mixed with the carrier having the necessary bindingproperties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and sizedesired.

For preparing suppository compositions, a low-melting wax such as amixture of fatty acid glycerides and cocoa butter is first melted andthe active ingredient is dispersed therein by, for example, stirring.The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenient sizedmoulds and allowed to cool and solidify.

Suitable carriers include, but are not limited to, magnesium carbonate,magnesium stearate, talc, lactose, sugar, pectin, dextrin, starch,tragacanth, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,low-melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like.

The term composition is also intended to include the formulation of theactive component with encapsulating material as a carrier providing acapsule in which the active component (with or without other carriers)is surrounded by a carrier which is thus in association with it.Similarly, cachets are included.

Tablets, powders, cachets, and capsules can be made as solid dosageforms suitable for oral administration.

Liquid form compositions include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions.For example, sterile water or water propylene glycol solutions of theactive compounds may be liquid preparations suitable for parenteraladministration. Liquid compositions can also be formulated in solutionin aqueous polyethylene glycol solution.

Aqueous solutions for oral administration can be prepared by dissolvingthe active component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavoringagents, stabilizers, and thickening agents as desired. Aqueoussuspensions for oral use can be made by dispersing the finely dividedactive component in water together with a viscous material such asnatural synthetic gums, resins, methyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and other suspending agents known to the pharmaceuticalformulation art. Exemplary compositions intended for oral use maycontain one or more coloring, sweetening, flavoring and/or preservativeagents.

Depending on the mode of administration, the pharmaceutical compositionwill include from about 0.05% w (percent by weight) to about 99% w, moreparticularly, from about 0.10% w to 50% w, of the compound of theinvention, all percentages by weight being based on the total weight ofthe composition.

A therapeutically effective amount for the practice of the presentinvention can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art usingknown criteria including the age, weight and response of the individualpatient, and interpreted within the context of the disease which isbeing treated or which is being prevented.

Medical Use

Compounds described herein exhibit activity as modulators ofmetabotropic glutamate receptors and more particularly exhibit activityas potentiators of the mGluR2 receptor. It is contemplated that thecompounds will be useful in therapy as pharmaceuticals, in particularfor the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders associatedwith glutamate dysfunction in an animal and particularly in a human.

More specifically, the neurological and psychiatric disorders include,but are not limited to, disorders such as cerebral deficit subsequent tocardiac bypass surgery and grafting, stroke, cerebral ischemia, spinalcord trauma, head trauma, perinatal hypoxia, cardiac arrest,hypoglycemic neuronal damage, dementia (including AIDS-induceddementia), Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's Chorea, amyotrophic lateralsclerosis, ocular damage, retinopathy, cognitive disorders, idiopathicand drug-induced Parkinson's disease, muscular spasms and disordersassociated with muscular spasticity including tremors, epilepsy,convulsions, cerebral deficits secondary to prolonged statusepilepticus, migraine (including migraine headache), urinaryincontinence, substance tolerance, substance withdrawal (including,substances such as opiates, nicotine, tobacco products, alcohol,benzodiazepines, cocaine, sedatives, hypnotics, etc.), psychosis,schizophrenia, anxiety (including generalized anxiety disorder, panicdisorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, andpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)), mood disorders (includingdepression, mania, bipolar disorders), circadian rhythm disorders(including jet lag and shift work), trigeminal neuralgia, hearing loss,tinnitus, macular degeneration of the eye, emesis, brain edema, pain(including acute and chronic pain states, severe pain, intractable pain,neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and post-traumatic pain), tardivedyskinesia, sleep disorders (including narcolepsy), attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder.

The invention thus provides a use of any of the compounds according toFormula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, forthe manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of any of theconditions discussed above.

Additionally, the invention provides a method for the treatment of asubject suffering from any of the conditions discussed above, whereby aneffective amount of a compound according to Formula I or apharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, is administered toa patient in need of such treatment. The invention also provides acompound of Formula I or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvatethereof, as hereinbefore defined for use in therapy.

In the context of the present specification, the term “therapy” alsoincludes “prophylaxis” unless there are specific indications to thecontrary. The term “therapeutic” and “therapeutically” should beconstrued accordingly. The term “therapy” within the context of thepresent invention further encompasses the administration of an effectiveamount of a compound of the present invention, to mitigate either apre-existing disease state, acute or chronic, or to mitigate a recurringcondition. This definition also encompasses prophylactic therapies forprevention of recurring conditions and continued therapy for chronicdisorders.

In use for therapy in a warm-blooded animal such as a human, thecompounds of the present invention may be administered in the form of aconventional pharmaceutical composition by any route including orally,intramuscularly, subcutaneously, topically, intranasally,intraperitoneally, intrathoracically, intravenously, epidurally,intrathecally, intracerebroventricularly and by injection into thejoints. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the route ofadministration is oral, intravenous, or intramuscular.

The dosage will depend on the route of administration, the severity ofthe disease, age and weight of the patient and other factors normallyconsidered by the attending physician, who determines the individualregimen and dosage level for a particular patient.

As mentioned above, the compounds described herein may be provided ordelivered in a form suitable for oral use, for example, in a tablet,lozenge, hard and soft capsule, aqueous solution, oily solution,emulsion, and suspension. Alternatively, the compounds may be formulatedinto a topical administration, for example, as a cream, ointment, gel,spray, or aqueous solution, oily solution, emulsion or suspension. Thecompounds described herein also may be provided in a form that issuitable for nasal administration, for example, as a nasal spray, nasaldrops, or dry powder. The compounds can be administered to the vagina orrectum in the form of a suppository. The compounds described herein alsomay be administered parentally, for example, by intravenous,intravesicular, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injection or infusion.The compounds can be administered by insufflation (for example as afinely divided powder). The compounds may also be administeredtransdermally or sublingually.

In addition to their use in therapeutic medicine, the compounds ofFormula I, or salts thereof, are useful as pharmacological tools in thedevelopment and standardization of in vitro and in vivo test systems forthe evaluation of the effects of inhibitors of mGluR-related activity inlaboratory animals as part of the search for new therapeutics agents.Such animals include, for example, cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, ratsand mice.

General Methods

Starting materials are commercially available or earlier described inthe literature.

The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded either on Bruker 300, BrukerDPX400 or Varian +400 spectrometers operating at 300, 400 and 400 MHzfor ¹H NMR respectively, using TMS or the residual solvent signal asreference, in deuterated chloroform as solvent unless otherwiseindicated. All reported chemical shifts are in ppm on the delta-scale,and the fine splitting of the signals as appearing in the recordings (s:singlet, br s: broad singlet, d: doublet, t: triplet, q: quartet, m:multiplet).

Analytical in line liquid chromatography separations followed by massspectra detections, were recorded on a Waters LCMS consisting of anAlliance 2795 (LC) and a ZQ single quadrapole mass spectrometer. Themass spectrometer was equipped with an electrospray ion source operatedin a positive and/or negative ion mode. The ion spray voltage was ±3 kVand the mass spectrometer was scanned from m/z 100-700 at a scan time of0.8 s. To the column, X-Terra MS, Waters, C8, 2.1×50 mm, 3.5 mm, wasapplied a linear gradient from 5% to 100% acetonitrile in 10 mM ammoniumacetate (aq.), or in 0.1% TFA (aq.).

Preparative reversed phase chromatography was run on a Gilsonautopreparative HPLC with a diode array detector using an XTerra MS C8,19×300 mm, 7 mm as column.

Purification by a Chromatotron was performed on rotating silicagel/gypsum (Merck, 60 PF-254 with calcium sulphate) coated glass sheets,with coating layer of 1, 2, or 4 mm using a TC Research 7924TChromatotron.

Purification of products were also done using Chem Elut ExtractionColumns (Varian, cat #1219-8002), Mega BE-SI (Bond Elut Silica) SPEColumns (Varian, cat #12256018; 12256026; 12256034), or by flashchromatography in silica-filled glass columns.

Microwave heating was performed in a Smith Synthesizer Single-modemicrowave cavity producing continuous irradiation at 2450 MHz (PersonalChemistry AB, Uppsala, Sweden).

The pharmacological properties of the compounds of the invention can beanalyzed using standard assays for functional activity. Examples ofglutamate receptor assays are well known in the art as described in, forexample, Aramori et al., 1992, Neuron, 8:757; Tanabe et al., 1992,Neuron, 8:169; Miller et al., 1995, J. Neuroscience, 15:6103; Balazs, etal., 1997, J. Neurochemistry, 1997, 69:151. The methodology described inthese publications is incorporated herein by reference. Conveniently,the compounds of the invention can be studied by means of an assay thatmeasures the mobilization of intracellular calcium, [Ca²⁺]_(i) in cellsexpressing mGluR2.

hERG activity was assessed using the process described byBridgland-Taylor, M. H., et al, J. Pharm. Tox. Methods 54 (2006)189-199.

Solubility was determined in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer after equilibrationfor 24 h at 25° C. and HPLC-UV and LC-MSMS were used for quantitation.

A [³⁵S]-GTPγS binding assay was used to functionally assay mGluR2receptor activation. The allosteric activator activity of compounds atthe human mGluR2 receptor were measured using a [³⁵S]-GTPγS bindingassay with membranes prepared from CHO cells which stably express thehuman mGluR2. The assay is based upon the principle that agonists bindto G-protein coupled receptors to stimulate GDP-GTP exchange at theG-protein. Since [³⁵S]-GTPγS is a non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, it can beused to provide an index of GDP-GTP exchange and, thus, receptoractivation. The GTPγS binding assay therefore provides a quantitativemeasure of receptor activation.

Membranes were prepared from CHO cells stably transfected with humanmGluR2. Membranes (30 μg protein) were incubated with test compound (3nM to 300 μM) for 15 minutes at room temperature prior to the additionof 1 μM glutamate, and incubated for 30 min at 30° C. in 500 μl assaybuffer (20 mM HEPES, 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MgCl₂), containing 30 μM GDP and0.1 nM [³⁵S]-GTPγS (1250 Ci/mmol). Reactions were carried out intriplicate in 2 ml polypropylene 96-well plates. Reactions wereterminated by vacuum filtration using a Packard 96-well harvester andUnifilter-96, GF/B filter microplates. The filter plates were washed4×1.5 ml with ice-cold wash buffer (10 mM sodium phosphate buffer, pH7.4). The filter plates were dried and 35 μl of scintillation fluid(Microscint 20) was added to each well. The amount of radioactivitybound was determined by counting plates on the Packard TopCount. Datawas analyzed using GraphPad Prism, and EC₅₀ and E_(max) values (relativeto the maximum glutamate effect) were calculated using non-linearregression.

As illustrated in the Table below, generally, compounds described hereinhave favourable solubility, low capacity to activate the hERG ionchannel and were highly active in assays described herein for mGluR2modulator activity, having EC₅₀ values as shown.

TABLE Aqueous Example GTPgS solubility No. EC₅₀ μM μM hERG μM 1 0.23144.9 11.0 2 0.206 336.5 33.0 3 0.154 396.1 12.0 4 0.378 >500 25.0 50.352 383.9 12.6 6 0.317 >500 18.7

1. A compound according to Formula I:

wherein R¹ is halo or C₁₋₃haloalkoxyl; Q is

and R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₃alkyl, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt,hydrate, solvate, optical isomer, or combination thereof.
 2. A compoundaccording to claim 1, wherein R¹ is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl or apharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomerthereof.
 3. A compound according to claim 2, wherein R¹ istrifluoromethoxyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate,solvate, optical isomer thereof.
 4. A compound according to claim 1,wherein Q is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomerthereof.
 5. A compound according to claim 4, wherein Q is

and R² is H or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate,optical isomer thereof.
 6. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl and Q is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomerthereof.
 7. A compound according to claim 6, wherein R¹ istrifluoromethoxyl and Q is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomerthereof.
 8. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is chloro ortrifluoromethoxyl, Q is

wherein R² is H, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate,solvate, optical isomer thereof.
 9. A compound according to claim 1,wherein R¹ is chloro or trifluoromethoxyl and Q is

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, optical isomerthereof.
 10. A compound according to claim 1 selected from:7-methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-2,3-dihydroisoindol-1-one;2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-5-[3-(2,5-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-7-methyl-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one;2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-[3-(3-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one;2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-(3-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl)-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one;2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-[3-(2-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one,or2-(4-chloro-benzyl)-7-methyl-5-[3-(2-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-5-yl]-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one.11. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according toclaim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. 12-14.(canceled)
 15. A method for the treatment or prevention of neurologicaland psychiatric disorders associated with glutamate dysfunction in ananimal in need of such treatment, comprising the step of administeringto said animal a therapeutically effective amount of a compoundaccording to claim
 1. 16. A method for the treatment or prevention ofneurological and psychiatric disorders associated with glutamatedysfunction in an animal in need of such treatment, comprising the stepof administering to said animal a therapeutically effective amount of apharmaceutical composition according to claim
 11. 17. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein the neurological and psychiatricdisorders are selected from cerebral deficit subsequent to cardiacbypass surgery and grafting, stroke, cerebral ischemia, spinal cordtrauma, head trauma, perinatal hypoxia, cardiac arrest, hypoglycemicneuronal damage, dementia, AIDS-induced dementia, Alzheimer's disease,Huntington's Chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ocular damage,retinopathy, cognitive disorders, idiopathic and drug-inducedParkinson's disease, muscular spasms and disorders associated withmuscular spasticity including tremors, epilepsy, convulsions, cerebraldeficits secondary to prolonged status epilepticus, migraine, migraineheadache, urinary incontinence, substance tolerance, substancewithdrawal, psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, generalized anxietydisorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder,and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, depression,mania, bipolar disorders, circadian rhythm disorders, jet lag, shiftwork, trigeminal neuralgia, hearing loss, tinnitus, macular degenerationof the eye, emesis, brain edema, pain, acute pain, chronic pain, severepain, intractable pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, andpost-traumatic pain, tardive dyskinesia, sleep disorders, narcolepsy,attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and conduct disorder.
 18. Themethod according to claim 17, wherein the neurological and psychiatricdisorders are selected from Alzheimer's disease, cerebral deficitssecondary to prolonged status epilepticus, substance tolerance,substance withdrawal, psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, generalizedanxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsivedisorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders,depression, mania, and bipolar disorders.
 19. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound according to claim 10 and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.
 20. A method for thetreatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disordersassociated with glutamate dysfunction selected from cerebral deficitsubsequent to cardiac bypass surgery and grafting, stroke, cerebralischemia, spinal cord trauma, head trauma, perinatal hypoxia, cardiacarrest, hypoglycemic neuronal damage, dementia, AIDS-induced dementia,Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's Chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,ocular damage, retinopathy, cognitive disorders, idiopathic anddrug-induced Parkinson's disease, muscular spasms and disordersassociated with muscular spasticity including tremors, epilepsy,convulsions, cerebral deficits secondary to prolonged statusepilepticus, migraine, migraine headache, urinary incontinence,substance tolerance, substance withdrawal, psychosis, schizophrenia,anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia,obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), mood disorders, depression, mania, bipolar disorders, circadianrhythm disorders, jet lag, shift work, trigeminal neuralgia, hearingloss, tinnitus, macular degeneration of the eye, emesis, brain edema,pain, acute pain, chronic pain, severe pain, intractable pain,neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and post-traumatic pain, tardivedyskinesia, sleep disorders, narcolepsy, attention deficit/hyperactivitydisorder, and conduct disorder, in an animal in need of such treatment,comprising the step of administering to said animal a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound according to claim 10.